Driver Station with XLR and 3-Post Hookups Plus Lane Reverse Switch

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Introduction

Since the inception of Slot Car Corner in 2006, we have offered a wide selection of slot car tracking wiring products and services including custom Driver Station fabrication and high-quality Driver Station Kits. During this time, we have fabricated close to 1,000 driver stations for our customers worldwide. This article features our “XLR and 3-Post Hookups With Lane Reversing Switch” Driver Station Kit (SCC part number DS0320) shown below.

The driver station featured in this how-to article has a blue panel; however, kits with red, white, yellow, green, orange, purple and black are also available.  This driver station is designed for controllers with male inline XLR connectors  or alligator clips and features a toggle switch that lets you run your track in both directions. Note this driver station, when wired as recommended, is polarity independent – it will work with both resistor and electronic controllers.

*** WARNING ***  Do NOT connect two (2) controllers to the driver station at the same time.  Doing so will create a “dead short” and damage one/both controllers.

You can purchase this kit by following this link.

The step-by-step instructions, and accompanying photos, are designed to make assembling this driver station kit as straightforward and painless as possible. No electrical knowledge is required to assemble this kit and most tools required are probably already in your toolbox.  However, you will need a soldering iron (or soldering station) to solder several electrical terminals and the three (3) wires to the XLR jack.  Assembly typically takes about 90 – 120 minutes for the first kit and 60 – 90 minutes for each subsequent kit. We STRONGLY recommend reading through this entire document to become familiar with the steps BEFORE starting to assemble the kit. Additional resources including installation instructions, wiring diagrams, etc. are available on our website. Please refer to the “Additional Resources” section at the end of this article. As always, we are here to help – the “Contact” page on our website provides information about contacting us should you need further assistance.

Copyright Notice

This document, including all text, images and metadata, is Copyright © 2018 – 2019 by Slot Car Corner L.L.C.. All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, or linked to in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION from Slot Car Corner L.L.C..

Tools

*** CAUTION *** Be sure to read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions concerning use of your tools. In particular, be sure to follow all safety instructions.

Here are the tools you’ll need to assemble the kit. While not required, using a small ratchet and deep well sockets (11/32” and 3/8”) will make securing the 3-post hookups to the panel and mounting the driver station much easier. Wrenches will work too, they’ll just take a little longer (and test your patience…). Here is a list of the tools shown:

• #2 Phillips Screwdriver
• #2 Flat Screwdriver
• 9/16″ Wrench
• 1/4″ Ratchet
• 11/32″ deep socket
• 3/8″ deep socket
• 7/32″ nut driver
• Wire crimping tool
• Wire stripping tool
• Lineman pliers
• Cutoff pliers
• Ruler
• Hot glue gun (not shown)
• Soldering iron (not shown)
• Rosin flux (not shown)
• Rosin core solder (not shown)
• Heat gun or hair dryer (not shown)

If you are purchasing a stripper/crimper tool for this project, a basic tool like the one in the picture below will strip wires, crimp terminals and cut wire without breaking the bank.  Crimpers like this are readily available at most hardware, home improvement and automotive stores.

Continue reading Build a Driver Station with XLR and 3-Post Hookups Plus Lane Reverse Switch!! →